- Low Maintenance, Variegated Foliage
- Bright Indirect Light
- Mature Height 6 - 8 feet
- Water Needs - Dry
The variegated Devil’s Backbone, native to Texas and Central America, grows as a tall shrub, reaching over 10 feet high. As a houseplant, it will be shorter but equally impressive. The upright stems of Euphorbia tithymaloides display creamy white and green variegated foliage, which takes on a reddish hue in cooler temperatures. This desert succulent tolerates drought exceptionally well, making it an ideal gift for aspiring plant parents still finding their rhythm.
Best Locations For Growing Variegated Devil’s Backbone
Once the Devil’s Backbone reaches 18-24 inches, it makes a striking floor plant for hallways or corners in bright rooms. Although it can tolerate cooler temperatures (down to 45°F outdoors), keep it away from heating and cooling vents, as well as drafty doors and windows, to prevent significant leaf drop. As a Euphorbia, all plant parts are toxic, particularly to small pets and children. Wear gloves when pruning or transplanting this plant to avoid exposure to its irritating white sap.
Variegated Devil’s Backbone Euphorbia Sunlight Requirements
This plant thrives in bright to medium indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate foliage and should be avoided. The ideal location is an east-facing window with early morning sun exposure. Alternatively, position the plant 4-6 feet from a west-facing window or across the room from a south-facing window.
Variegated Devil’s Backbone Euphorbia Care
Plant this desert succulent in a free-draining potting mix enriched with chunky organic material. A cactus or succulent mix with added perlite, pumice, or gritty sand works best. Regular repotting while the plant is young prevents it from becoming root-bound and encourages vigorous growth.
While Devil’s Backbone rarely blooms indoors, relocating it outdoors during warmer summer months may stimulate flower spikes after a few years. Pruning is generally unnecessary, but remove any yellowing or brown leaves to maintain a tidy appearance.
Watering Variegated Devil’s Backbone Euphorbia
Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry between waterings to prevent overwatering. Check moisture levels every 1-2 weeks to determine when to water. If the plant drops leaves or exhibits curled foliage, it may be dehydrated and should be watered more frequently.
Feeding Variegated Devil’s Backbone Euphorbia
Succulents are not heavy feeders and benefit from light feeding during spring and summer. Use a liquid formulation with a balanced NPK ratio every 6 weeks from April to September, when growth is most vigorous.
Variegated Devil's Backbone Euphorbia Information
| Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light |
| Mature Height: 6 - 8 feet |
| Mature Spread: 18 - 24 inches |
| Habit: Trailing |
| Flower Color(s): None |
| Foliage Color(s): Green, Pink, Red, Yellow / Golden |
| Watering: Dry |
| Features: Low Maintenance, Variegated Foliage |
| Common Name: Variegated Devil's Backbone Euphorbia |
| Other Name(s): Variegated Devil's Backbone |
| Scientific Name: Euphorbia tithymaloides Variegated |
- SKU:
- SUCC_EUPHORBIA_DEVILS.BACKBONE.VAR
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Known As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addicts Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts always guarantees your plant(s) will arrive happy & healthy. However, plant(s) are being shipped through the mail & sometimes accidents happen. If the plant is dead, has dried out roots or the incorrect item was shipped, just notify Plant Addicts within 3 days upon delivery. We may ask for pictures but will try to make it as easy as possible for you. Please note, plant(s) with damaged branches or wilted leaves will not qualify for this guarantee. Plants are very resilient and will rebound quickly when cared for correctly.
For more information on how to care for your new plants, please click on our guide below.
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
We encourage all plant lovers to purchase the Plant Addicts Warranty, whether you're a new gardener or an expert. There are many variables outside of anyone's control that can cause a plant to die. Hungry animals, drought, poor soil conditions, over watering, diseases & pests are all good examples of what can cause plants to die. The Plant Addicts Warranty is a 1 year warranty protecting you from all of the unknowns and will replace your plant if something were to happen to it.
The warranty is purchased on a per plant basis and must be purchased at the same time as the plant(s). We will cover 100% of the price of the plant, but the warranty does not cover shipping costs. SImply let us know if your plant has died within 1 year of receiving it and we will get you a new one shipped out as soon as possible (depending on the time of the year and availability). We may ask for photos for documentation purposes, but we try to make the process as easy as possible.
For more information, please click on our page below.
Plant Shipping
Below are some factors we consider when determining when to ship the plants depending on the timing of the order.
Winter to Early Spring
We ship only when it's warm enough to plant in your growing zone.
Sometimes plants aren't completely ready to sell and ship in early spring. We will wait until the plants are ready before shipping so you don't get a subpar product.
For Southern plants we will be able to ship much earlier than plants coming from our northern nursery.
Summer
If there is extreme heat we may delay shipping for a week or several weeks.
We review what areas the plants are traveling through as well as your location.
Fall into Winter
We’ll ship plants out all the way up to the end of the fall planting season!
Winter
Get your order in early to reserve your plants for Spring planting!
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an automated email with tracking information.
Click here for more detailed shipping information.
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations